Top 10 things what to do in Osaka - Travel Guide

Headed to Japan and looking for things to do in Osaka? There’s no shortage of options whether you’re looking for history and culture, wildlife and nature, or just in it for the awesome cuisine. Our guide on what to do in Osaka covers everything from a family break to a flying weekend visit en route elsewhere in Japan.

Plus, we’ll also introduce Wise as the perfect way to save money when spending in JPY, your dollars will stretch to even more fun things to do while you’re in Japan.

Table of contents
Osaka Castle Universal Studios Japan Eat, drink and dance in Dotonbori Osaka Museum of History Take a cooking class Sumiyoshi Taisha Osaka Aquarium Kuchu Teien Observatory Shop ‘til you drop on Shinsaibashi-Suji Check out the open air art

1. Osaka Castle

Originally built in the sixteenth century, the present day Osaka Castle is a reconstruction built in the 1930s - and even features an elevator for easy guest access. The building is set in a large area of parkland so you can have a walk and get some fresh air as well as viewing the building and visiting the exhibits inside. Check out the cherry trees if you’re there in season, for a beautiful - and classically Japanese - experience. Most of the grounds are free to roam in - but some areas require a ticket. Plus, if you’re wondering what to do in Osaka in December, it’s also good to know there’s a spectacular annual light display at the castle, well worth viewing after dark.

Getting there: Take the Tanimachi or Chuo metro line to Tanimachi Yonchome Station - it’s a short walk to the gate

Opening hours: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm, with later opening during cherry blossom season

Learn more: Japan tourist info - Osaka Castle

2. Universal Studios Japan

If you need things to do in Osaka with kids, Universal Studios will definitely be up there. As you’d expect, this is a premium attraction which gets busy, so buying tickets in advance is essential - for some areas within the park there are timed tickets to make sure everyone gets to visit. Even so, expect queues and dress for comfort! Harry Potter fans will especially like the Hogwarts castle walk and ride.

Getting there: Multiple access routes available - get the full details on the USJ Access guide, based on where you’re staying

Opening hours: Seasonal and daily opening hours vary - check the website for the latest information and an opening hours calendar

Learn more: Universal Studios Japan

3. Eat, drink and dance in Dotonbori

One of the premier areas for food and entertainment, Dotonbori is worth a visit if you’ve got an evening to spare. You’ll find all manner of places to eat, bars, nightclubs and even some live music if you’re lucky - but be aware that the streets can get pretty crowded at peak times.

Getting there: Dotonbori, Chuo-ku, Osaka

Learn more: Osaka tourist info - Dotonbori

4. Osaka Museum of History

With multiple floors of both permanent and special exhibitions, the Osaka Museum of History is world class. Plus, because the exhibits are on the upper floors of this 10 storey building, you’ll get great views of Osaka Castle and grounds as you look round. The museum offers a couple of suggested routes, including a highlights tour which should only take an hour or so but which still walks you through the key exhibits, or a complete tour if you have longer and want to really get immersed.

Getting there: Take the Osaka Metro on either the Tanimachi Line or the Chuo Line, to Tanimachi 4-Chome Station, and leave by exit 2 or 9 for the shortest walk

Opening hours: 9:30 am - 5:00 pm, closed on Tuesdays

Learn more: Osaka Museum of History

5. Take a cooking class

If you love Japanese food (and who doesn’t?), one of the fun things to do in Osaka is to take a cooking class. There are plenty of options to pick from, including gyoza, ramen and sushi classes. You’ll be able to browse online or ask your hotel for recommendations, based on your personal preferences and your budget. A tasty way to take a bit of Osaka back home with you after your trip.

6. Sumiyoshi Taisha

Sumiyoshi Taisha - the Sumiyoshi Grand Shrine - has existed since before Buddhism arrived in Japan, and therefore has fairly unique architecture which shows the roots of life back as far as the 3rd Century. This is one of the most important and most famous Shinto Shrines in the country, and a significant site for locals as well as being a tourist attraction.

Getting there: Take the Nankai Main Line to Sumiyoshi Taisha Station - check the train you pick stops here, as some faster trains skip it

Opening hours: 6:00 am - 5:00 pm daily

Learn more: Japan tourist info - Sumiyoshi Taisha

7. Osaka Aquarium

Families love Osaka Aquarium, home to fish as well as amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals, marine invertebrates and plants. The aquarium is framed around the idea of the Ring of Fire, the Pacific Rim volcanic belt, and visitors walk through a tour route viewing various habitats which feature in this area to learn about its rich biodiversity.

Getting there: Take the Osaka Metro Chuo Line to Osakako Station - it’s a 5 minute walk

Opening hours: Seasonal and daily opening hours vary - check the website for the latest information and an opening hours calendar

Learn more: Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

8. Kuchu Teien Observatory

Go on a journey through the clouds, up on the 39th floor and above, of the Umeda Sky Building. View the city from above, with a 360 degree rooftop pass which lets you feel like you’re floating above it all. Plus, if you’re looking for things to do in Osaka for couples, consider buying the admission tickets online, where there’s also an option to add on a heart shaped padlock which you can fix up on the observatory, to show your timeless love.

Getting there: Short walk from Osaka station on the JR Kobe line, or from Umeda station on the Osaka Metro Midosuji line

Opening hours: 9:30 am - 10:30 pm daily

Learn more: Umeda Sky Building

9. Shop ‘til you drop on Shinsaibashi-Suji

A 600 metre long covered arcade with all sorts of stores, Shinsaibashi-Suji is one of the main shopping streets in Osaka. It sees a staggering 60,000 visitors a day - and double that on weekends and holidays, making it a great place to shop and people watch as long as you don’t mind a bit of a crowd. Buy everything from tailor made clothing to jewellery and pick up coffee or lunch at one of the many great cafes and restaurants when it’s time to refuel.

Getting there: Take the the Osaka Metro Midosuji or Nagahori Tsurumi-ryokuchi Lines, and get off at Shinsaibashi Station - the arcade is a minute’s walk away

Learn more: Osaka tourist info - Shinsaibashi-Suji

10. Check out the open air art

Go on a treasure hunt for street art, and open air art works in Kitakagaya, just a short hop by metro from the centre of town. By the Kizu river, this area was a shipbuilding hub in days gone by, and has now been reborn as an arts town, with large scale murals and other art installations throughout. Wander around, or check out the map from the Osaka tourist information website, which can help you make sure to see it all.

Getting there: Take the Osaka Metro Yotsubashi Line to Kitakagaya Station, about 25 minutes from Osaka Station or Umeda Station

Learn more: Osaka tourist info - Kitakagaya map

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